By Darin Hayes Unbreakable Records and Broadway Joe: Why October 14th is a Football Powerhouse
From untouchable single-game scoring streaks to the emotional retirement of an iconic jersey number, October 14th has delivered some of the most memorable milestones in American football. On this day, Hall of Famer Joe Montana and Jerry Rice put on a passing clinic, connecting for an unbelievable five touchdowns in a single game. Decades earlier, Lions legend Jack Christiansen made history by returning two punts for touchdowns in a single contest. But perhaps the most defining moment came in 1985 when the New York Jets immortalized their Super Bowl-guaranteeing hero, Joe Namath, by retiring his famous No. 12 jersey on Monday Night Football. Dive into the electrifying history of October 14th!
October 14 Football History Headlines
October 14, 1945 – A very memorable game was played between Chicago’s two NFL franchises.
OTD in 1945, the longest losing streak in NFL history was snapped when the Cardinals surprised the Bears 16-7. The Cards had not captured a win since the 1942 season and that streak reached 29 straight before the 1945 victory. Sadly it was the only win in '45 for the 1-9 club. pic.twitter.com/TaEnxZvkHO
— Joe Ziemba (@cardschicago) October 15, 2025
October 14, 1951 – Detroit Lions return man, Jack Christiansen, takes 2 punts to the house for touchdowns against the LA Rams. Pro-football-reference.com recorded the game’s statistics, noting Jack’s first return as a 69-yarder in the second quarter of a Doak Walker punt. The second return for a score occurred in the final stanza as Christianson took another of Walker’s 4th Down field flippers 49 yards to paydirt. Though the returns helped the Lions on the scoreboard, they did not win the game as the Rams triumphed 27-21.
October 14, 1985, East Rutherford, New Jersey – The New York Jets franchise retired Joe Namath’s jersey #12 on nationally televised Monday Night Football. Namath had sealed his legend in the Big Apple with many of his great plays, but especially by making good on his famous promise of leading his underdog 1969 Jets team to a Super Bowl III victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, coached by Don Shula. Pro-football-reference.com informs us that the Jets had a great night against a Don Shula team in the 1985 game, too, as they defeated the Miami Dolphins, 23-7 this time.
October 14, 1989 – Texas A&I, Johnny Bailey sets NCAA season rushing record. According to the Twitter account @TXSports History, Bailey set a record with 6,085 yards, surpassing Pittsburgh University’s Tony Dorsett’s previous NCAA record. Bailey went on to become the only player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy for being the top player in Division II football three times. He was later drafted into the NFL and played for the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and the St. Lois/LA Rams, scoring 9 NFL career touchdowns in 81 games played.
October 14, 1990, Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium – San Francisco 49er quarterback Joe Montana passes for 6 touchdowns versus the Atlanta Falcons. Five of the scoring strikes were to Montana’s favorite target, Jerry Rice, in the 45- 35 Niners win over the Falcons.
October 14 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
This October 14th, we celebrate a few Football Hall of Famers whose careers defined toughness and skill across different eras: the legendary wide receiver and retired NFL receptions leader Charlie Joiner (born 1947). and early Notre Dame legend, Harry Stuhldreher, amongst others.
- Tom Davies
- Harry Stuhldreher
- Charlie Joiner
- Paul Palmer
Conclusion
October 14th is a fascinating study in football history, showcasing both individual brilliance and emotional franchise milestones. It’s a day to celebrate the enduring legacy of Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner (born 1947), who defined consistency and durability at the wide receiver position. This date also marked an incredible display of special teams artistry, with Jack Christiansen setting a mark by returning two punts for touchdowns in a single game in 1951. Decades later, the emotional pulse of the game was captured when the New York Jets retired Joe Namath’s iconic No. 12, adding historical depth to the drama of a Monday Night Football victory. The combination of these records and moments ensures that the 14th of October remains a truly memorable date in the annals of American football.